Jewelry Care: The Basics
We strongly advise against using strong chemicals that can come in direct contact with the pieces, such as spraying perfumes directly on them. Spray your perfume first, wait for it to dry, then put on your jewelry.
Please avoid physical movements that may damage finer pieces.
Lastly, keep your jewelry in a clean and safe area, and remember to clean or wipe them consistently.
Gold
Gold jewelry is considered the most long-lasting type. However, general care and cleaning are essential to keep the pieces radiating, especially if you wear them consistently.
Gold comes in various karat (K) types: 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k. 24k is solid gold, while the rest is gold mixed with other metals. The higher the karat, the more gold in the piece and the more prone it is to scratching. Standard jewelry cleaning on a continuous basis keeps your gold shiny and clean.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver jewelry consists of 92.5% silver and other metals like copper, hence the name .925 sterling silver. Keep your sterling silver pieces in closed spaces since they can get opaque with time and lack of use. This can also vary if the silver is coated in rhodium. If it gets a darker or opaque color, safe jewelry cleaning methods like jewelry cloths/foams can revive the shine.
Note that gold vermeil requires extra care to maintain their yellow color.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel jewelry generally contains metals like chromium, titanium, and nickel. To maintain the quality of stainless steel pieces, refrain from wearing them in pools or beaches.
Note that stainless steel pieces with gold finishes can also lose their yellow tones with time; however, proper care can help maintain color.
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry contains a base metal like brass that has a mechanically bonded layer of gold adhered to the surface. Gold-filled jewelry can lose its yellow hue with time and use. By storing it properly and away from humidity, removing the pieces during physical activities, and avoiding contact with chlorine or salt water, the pieces will maintain their color for longer.
Gold-Plated
Gold-plated jewelry uses metals that have been coated with a thin layer of gold. The gold layer is quite thin, often less than 1 micron or 0.5 microns thick. The layer is usually added using an electroplating process. Gold-plated jewelry has the same care methods as gold-filled. To avoid the piece losing its gold finish, keep it away from humidity, remove pieces during physical activities, and avoid contact with chlorine or salt water (rinse if they do come in contact).
Fashion
Fashion jewelry can use base metals (aluminum, brass, etc.), leather, or other textiles; it often uses imitation stones. It is best to keep fashion jewelry away from water and any harsh chemicals as they may tarnish the pieces quickly.
*If you think you have an allergic reaction to your jewelry, remove it and see a doctor for medical advice. PH levels can also cause jewelry to tarnish.
